System and method for replacing a rotor in a machine for grinding and chipping

ABSTRACT

A horizontal grinder chipper with interchangeable rotors which allows for rapid changing of said interchangeable rotors. Where the interchangeable rotors each are in the form of a cassette which can be easily inserted into and in between a first frame portion  1302  and a second frame portion  1303 . A hydraulically actuated pivoting clamshell cassette covering upper portion  920  configured to pivot to an open orientation for removal of a first rotor cassette and for insertion of a second rotor cassette.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date ofprovisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/821,754 filed on Mar.21, 2019 by Nathaniel Henry Fuller entitled CBI Casette Style RotorDesign, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by thisreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to methods and equipment forchipping and grinding matter, and more particularly relates to recyclingand biomass chippers and grinders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Often the early stages of a construction project require the relocation,recycling and/or removal of building demolition debris, whole trees,stumps, railroad ties and other items. In some situations, it may benecessary to utilize multiple different grinders and chippers because ofthe wide variety of matter to be processed and a variety of desiredoutputs. Bringing three of four different grinders and chippers to asingle job site can be problematic in several ways. The transportationcosts can be multiplied by the number of machines. Having the space onthe job site for four large pieces of equipment, all at the same time,can cause problems. In the alternative, scheduling a series of equipmentarrivals can be difficult, especially when the time needed to operateeach machine may not be known with precision in advance.

Consequently, there exists a need for improved methods and equipment forefficiently chipping and grinding a wide variety of matter into avariety of output types at a single location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to improve the method ofprocessing a variety of materials into a variety of different outputtypes.

It is a feature of the present invention to effectively utilize a rotorcassette to rapidly replace or exchange rotors in a single machine forchipping and grinding.

It is an advantage of the present invention to allow for improvedflexibility in processing a wide variety of matter into a variety ofdifferent output types by a single machine for chipping and grinding.

The present invention is carried out in a “multiple grinder and/ormultiple chipper-less” manner, in a sense that need for more than onemachine to do grinding and/or chipping of a wide variety of matter toproduce a variety of output types can be eliminated or at least greatlyreduced, in many situations. Additionally, the present inventionprovides a “green” solution by reducing the environmental impact ofmoving multiple large pieces of equipment, especially when the job siteis in a remote and rugged location.

Accordingly, the present invention is a method of replacing a rotor in amobile horizontal grinder comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing a first frame portion 1302 with a first frame portion        slot 1304 therein and a second frame portion 1303, parallel to        and spaced apart from said first frame portion 1302, said second        frame portion 1303 with a second frame portion slot 1305        therein; said first frame portion 1302 and said second frame        portion 1303 being coupled to a third frame portion configured        to support an internal combustion engine having a horsepower        characteristic in excess of eight hundred horse power;    -   removing, from a first frame portion slot 1304 in a first frame        portion 1302, a first preassembled rotor cassette having a rotor        shaft therein and having a rotor cassette bottom portion, having        a predetermined rotor cassette bottom portion shape, wherein        said first frame portion slot 1304 has a slot bottom portion        having said predetermined rotor cassette bottom portion shape        and is configured to receive therein and support from below said        first preassembled rotor cassette;    -   providing a second preassembled rotor cassette comprising:        -   a. rotor shaft 500;        -   b. first side bearing housing mount 504;        -   c. second side bearing housing mount 505;        -   d. rotor 501;        -   e. first side bearing 608; and        -   f. second side bearing 708; and    -   lowering into said first frame portion slot 1304 and said second        frame portion slot 1305 said second preassembled rotor cassette.

Additionally, the present invention is an improved system for acontinuous track propelled horizontal grinder comprising:

-   -   a first frame portion 1302 with a first frame portion slot 1304        therein and a second frame portion 1303, parallel to and spaced        apart from said first frame portion 1302, said second frame        portion 1303 with a second frame portion slot 1305 therein; said        first frame portion 1302 and said second frame portion 1303        being coupled to a third frame portion configured to support an        internal combustion engine having a horsepower characteristic in        excess of eight hundred horse power;    -   said first frame portion 1302 having a feed end frame to        cassette slot defining surface 1004 and output end frame to        cassette slot defining surface 1003 each with a plurality of        bearing housing mount fasteners receiving holes therethrough;    -   a first preassembled rotor cassette having a rotor shaft therein        and having a predetermined rotor cassette bottom portion shape        from a first frame portion slot 1304 in a first frame portion        1302, wherein said first frame portion slot 1304 has a bottom        portion having said predetermined rotor cassette bottom portion        shape and is configured to receive therein and support from        below said first preassembled rotor cassette; and    -   a second preassembled rotor cassette comprising;        -   a. rotor shaft 500;        -   b. first side bearing housing mount 504;        -   c. second side bearing housing mount 505;        -   d. rotor 501;        -   e. first side bearing 608; and        -   f. second side bearing 708;    -   said second preassembled rotor cassette being configured to be        interchangeable with said first preassembled rotor cassette by        being capable of being lowered into said first frame portion        slot 1304 and said second frame portion slot 1305 in an absence        of said first preassembled rotor cassette; and    -   a plurality of bearing housing mount fasteners 1006 configured        to be inserted through said plurality of bearing housing mount        fasteners receiving holes to retain said second preassembled        rotor cassette in said first frame portion slot 1304.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more fully understood by reading the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, inconjunction with the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a representative rotor set up for aprior art horizontal grinder.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a grinder frame of the prior art.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the configuration of the drive side of themachine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the non-drive side of the machine of FIGS.1 and 3.

FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the rotor cassette portion of thepresent invention also shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the configuration of the drive side of therotor cassette portion of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the non-drive side of the rotor cassetteportion of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rotor cassette as shown in thecross-section in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a side view of portions of the present invention, whichincludes a pivoting top portion in an open configuration, a non-pivotingrotor cassette receiving portion and the rotor cassette of FIGS. 5-8 inthe process of insertion.

FIG. 10 is a close-up view of portions of the present invention with thepivoting top portion as it was in FIG. 9, but showing the rotor cassetteafter it has been inserted and bolted into the non-pivoting rotorcassette receiving portion.

FIG. 11 is a view of a portion of the present invention after thepivoting top portion has been closed down over the rotor cassette.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the horizontal grinder of the presentinvention, with some portions shown in an exploded configuration.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of portions of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although described with particular reference to a track propelled beltdriven horizontal chipper/grinder, it should be understood that theinnovative and beneficial aspect of the systems and methods of thepresent invention can be implemented for other configurations as well.

The systems and methods of the present invention described herein can beviewed as examples of many potential variations of the present inventionwhich are protected hereunder. The following details are intended to aidin the understanding of the invention whose scope is defined in theclaims appended hereto. The following description should be viewed as anexample of other embodiments of the present invention, which may employsystems and methods which deviate from the details described below,without departing from the spirit and the intended scope of theinvention.

Now referring to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like matterthroughout, and more particularly in FIG. 1, there is shown a prior artrotor setup for a wood grinding and chipping machine. Typically, therotor is dropped between the side walls of a frame and a shaft, lockingdevices, bearings, seals, etc. are installed through the side of theframe. The items in FIGS. 1-4, with a left to right downward hatchingmark, are part of the machine frame. The components that are not sohatched are loose parts that are assembled together to form a completerotary assembly.

Now referring to FIG. 2, which shows a prior art grinder frame, whichtends to show that no other way to install the rotor exists other thanthrough the side of the machine.

Now referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 where the loose components are installedfrom the outside of the frame, part by part. To properly install therotor, one assembler may be simultaneously required on each side of themachine to ensure alignment is maintained while parts are beinginstalled. The arrow shows the direction of motion of the parts duringthe installation process.

Now referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a cross-sectional view of theassembled rotor cassette 800 of the present invention which includes arotor shaft 500 and a rotor 501, which is coupled to a sheave 502. Theopposing end of rotor shaft 500 is a bearing housing cover 503 whichcovers the cap end rotor shaft central longitudinal axis feature 522.The longitudinal axis of the rotor runs from sheave end rotor shaftcentral longitudinal axis feature 520 to cap end rotor shaft centrallongitudinal axis feature 522. The structural mounting members firstside bearing housing mount 504 and second side bearing housing mount 505help to couple the many parts of the rotor cassette 800 to a first frameportion 1302 of the continuous track propelled horizontal chippergrinder 1200 (FIG. 12).

Now referring to FIG. 6, there is shown more detail portion of sheaveend of the rotor cassette 800. The loose components are slid onto therotor shaft 500 in the direction of the arrow. First side keylesslocking device 614 is shown in a position to be slid on before firstside labyrinth seal 612. The first side bearing housing mount 504 isconfigured to be coupled, via bearing housing fasteners 1002 (FIG. 5),to the first side bearing housing 610 disposed about the first sidebearing 608, which is disposed around rotor shaft 500. First side lockwasher and lock nut combination 606 is also shown and is adjacent tofirst side bearing housing cover 604, which is adjacent to first sidekeyless locking device 602, which is disposed inside of the sheave 502.

Now referring to FIG. 7, there are shown similar components to theopposing end. Second side keyless locking device 714 is shown near thecap end rotor shaft central longitudinal axis feature 522 of the rotorshaft 500 and adjacent to the second side labyrinth seal 712. Secondside bearing housing 710 is shown and sized to retain therein secondside bearing 708, which is adjacent to additional internal componentsand ended with bearing housing cover 503.

Now referring to FIG. 8, there is shown the rotor cassette 800 of thepresent invention, which is bounded on one end by second side bearinghousing mount 505 and on the opposing end by first side bearing housingmount 504 and the sheave 502, which exposes at its center rotor shaft500 with its sheave end rotor shaft central longitudinal axis feature520. Also shown are bearing housing mount fasteners 1006, which are usedto mate the cassette defining surface 1005 of the rotor cassette 800 tothe feed end frame to cassette slot defining surface 1004. Thesefasteners can be six sets of 1″ bolts and nuts through holes, or othersuitable fasteners. Bearing housing fasteners 1002 are also shown.

Now referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a portion of the presentinvention in the process of installing a new rotor cassette 800 into afirst frame portion slot 1304, having a first frame slot bottom portion1314 in first frame portion 1302. The weight of the pivoting clamshellcassette covering upper portion 920 with a feed end pivot point 922helps to hold the rotor cassette 800 in place in the first frame slotbottom portion 1314 during operation.

Now referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a close up view of portions ofthe present invention including: first frame portion 1302, with itsfirst frame portion slot 1304 filled with rotor cassette 800, includedis a close up view of the bearing housing mount fasteners 1006, whichconnect feed end frame to cassette slot defining surface 1004 andcassette defining surface 1005, bearing housing fasteners 1002 are alsoshown.

Now referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a zoomed out view of the sameportion of the present invention plus pivoting clamshell cassettecovering upper portion 920 and also shows upper weldment wedge lock1102, which helps to retain the pivoting clamshell cassette coveringupper portion 920 in position.

Now referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a perspective view of thehorizontal grinder of the present invention, generally designated 1200in a process of installation of removal of the rotor cassette 800 andalso shows three alternate rotors, including a drum rotor 1202, twocutter chipper rotor 1204 and a four cutter chipper rotor 1206.

Now referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a perspective view of portionsof the present invention from the second or non-sheave side. Shown isfirst frame portion 1302, first frame portion slot 1304, with aninternal grate frame, grate liner, wear liners, and other componentsnecessary for grinding or chipping, which may partially block sight toportions thereof. Second frame portion 1303 with second frame portionslot 1305 is clearly shown with the rotor cassette 800 in a positionwhere it is about to be installed or it has just been removed. Pivotingclamshell cassette covering upper portion 920 is shown pivoted upward toallow access to second frame portion slot 1305 and first frame portionslot 1304. Also shown is a plurality of bearing housing mount fastenersreceiving holes 1306 for attaching the rotor cassette 800. An identicalgroup of holes would be disposed in the corresponding location in firstframe portion slot 1304.

The precise implementation of the present invention will vary dependingupon the particular application.

It is thought that the method and apparatus of the present inventionwill be understood from the foregoing description and that it will beapparent that various changes may be made in the form, construct stepsand arrangement of the parts and steps thereof without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of theirmaterial advantages. The form herein described is merely a preferredand/or exemplary embodiment thereof.

1. A method of replacing a rotor in a mobile horizontal grindercomprising the steps of: providing a first frame portion with a firstframe portion slot therein and a second frame portion, parallel to andspaced apart from said first frame portion, said second frame portionwith a second frame portion slot therein; said first frame portion andsaid second frame portion being coupled to a third frame portionconfigured to support an internal combustion engine having a horsepowercharacteristic in excess of eight hundred horse power; removing, from afirst frame portion slot in a first frame portion, a first preassembledrotor cassette having a rotor shaft therein and having a rotor cassettebottom portion, having a predetermined rotor cassette bottom portionshape, wherein said first frame portion slot has a slot bottom portionhaving said predetermined rotor cassette bottom portion shape and isconfigured to receive therein and support from below said firstpreassembled rotor cassette; providing a second preassembled rotorcassette comprising: a. rotor shaft; b. first side bearing housingmount; c. second side bearing housing mount; d. rotor; e. first sidebearing; and f. second side bearing; and lowering into said first frameportion slot and said second frame portion slot 1305 said secondpreassembled rotor cassette.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said firstframe portion and said second frame portion each have a plurality ofholes therein configured to receive a plurality of fastenerstherethrough for securing said first preassembled rotor cassette, andwherein said step of lowering further comprising the step of causingsaid rotor shaft to approach, pass and proceed further past saidplurality of holes.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said predeterminedrotor cassette bottom portion shape is a portion of circle centered upona central longitudinal axis of said rotor shaft.
 4. The method of claim2 wherein said rotor is one of a plurality of interchangeable differentpurpose rotors wherein said plurality includes a grinding drum rotor anda chipper rotor.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein said rotor has adifferent purpose than a rotor included in said first preassemble rotorcassette.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising a step of using aplurality of fasteners to couple said second preassembled rotor cassettethrough said plurality of holes.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein saidstep of lowering is accomplished with assistance from an overhead crane.8. The method of claim 6 wherein said plurality of fasteners includesall fasteners securing said second preassembled rotor cassette to eitherof said first frame portion and said second frame portion.
 9. The methodof claim 6 wherein said second preassembled rotor cassette is free ofany fasteners used for coupling to either of said first frame portion orsecond frame portion at a point lower than a central longitudinal axisof said rotor shaft when said rotor cassette bottom portion contactssaid first frame portion.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said thirdframe portion is supported above and propelled across the ground by atrack drive system comprising a continuous earth engaging track with aplurality of wheels therein which are configured to operate withoutdirectly engaging the ground.
 11. A continuous track propelledhorizontal grinder comprising: a first frame portion with a first frameportion slot therein and a second frame portion, parallel to and spacedapart from said first frame portion, said second frame portion with asecond frame portion slot therein; said first frame portion and saidsecond frame portion being coupled to a third frame portion configuredto support an internal combustion engine having a horsepowercharacteristic in excess of eight hundred horse power; said first frameportion having a feed end frame to cassette slot defining surface andoutput end frame to cassette slot defining surface each with a pluralityof bearing housing mount fasteners receiving holes therethrough; a firstpreassembled rotor cassette having a rotor shaft therein and having apredetermined rotor cassette bottom portion shape from a first frameportion slot in a first frame portion, wherein said first frame portionslot has a bottom portion having said predetermined rotor cassettebottom portion shape and is configured to receive therein and supportfrom below said first preassembled rotor cassette; and a secondpreassembled rotor cassette comprising; a. rotor shaft; b. first sidebearing housing mount; c. second side bearing housing mount; d. rotor;e. first side bearing; and f. second side bearing; said secondpreassembled rotor cassette being configured to be interchangeable withsaid first preassembled rotor cassette by being capable of being loweredinto said first frame portion slot and said second frame portion slot inan absence of said first preassembled rotor cassette; and a plurality ofbearing housing mount fasteners configured to be inserted through saidplurality of bearing housing mount fasteners receiving holes to retainsaid second preassembled rotor cassette in said first frame portionslot.
 12. The continuous track propelled horizontal grinder of claim 11wherein said first preassembled rotor cassette comprises a lower rotorportion and an upper attachment portion.
 13. The continuous trackpropelled horizontal grinder of claim 12 wherein said upper attachmentportion further comprises a first side bearing housing mount withparallel sides configured to allow said lower rotor portion to slidedown through first frame portion slot and be engaged and supported frombelow by a frame structure at a bottom portion of said first frameportion slot.
 14. The continuous track propelled horizontal grinder ofclaim 13 further comprising a plurality of holes through said upperattachment portion to receive said plurality of bearing housing mountfasteners when being used to retain said second preassembled rotorcassette in said first frame portion slot.
 15. A horizontal grindingsystem comprising: a first frame portion with a first frame portion slottherein; a second frame portion with a second frame portion slot thereinand with a parallel relationship with said first frame portion; saidfirst frame portion and said second frame portion being coupled to athird frame portion configured to support an internal combustion enginehaving a horsepower characteristic in excess of eight hundred horsepower; a rotor cassette sized and configured to fit into each of saidfirst frame portion slot and second frame portion slot and span betweensaid first frame portion and said second frame portion; and a pivotingclamshell cassette covering upper portion; pivotally coupled to one ofsaid first frame portion and second frame portion, where said pivotingclamshell cassette covering upper portion tends to help retain saidrotor cassette in an operating configuration when said pivotingclamshell cassette covering upper portion is lowered to reduce movementof said rotor cassette in said first frame portion slot and said secondframe portion slot.
 16. The horizontal grinding system of claim 15further comprising a plurality of bearing housing mount fasteners usedto couple said rotor cassette to said first frame portion.
 17. Thehorizontal grinding system of claim 16 further comprising a sheavecoupled to a rotor shaft to provide for transfer of force from saidinternal combustion engine to a rotor disposed in said rotor cassette.18. The horizontal grinding system of claim 17 wherein said rotorcassette comprises a first side bearing housing mount and a second sidebearing housing mount configured to mate with said first frame portionslot and said second frame portion slot, respectively.
 19. Thehorizontal grinding system of claim 18 wherein each of said first sidebearing housing mount and said second side bearing housing mount furthercomprises a plurality of fasteners configured to help retain said rotorcassette in each of said first frame portion and second frame portion.20. The horizontal grinding system of claim 19 where said plurality offasteners are located above a central longitudinal axis of said rotorshaft.